Josie Love Roebuck knew what the best option to continue her college career was all along. And it wasn't going to be Tennessee orange -- for her mom's sake.

Luckily, Georgia red provided an opportunity for her.

The GPS senior committed to continue her college career at the University of Georgia. The defender aided her team to a Division II-AA state runner-up finish last season and was a first-team Best of Preps honoree, and she had an assist in the Bruisers' season-opening 6-1 victory over Chattanooga Christian on Tuesday.

Roebuck had two brothers that have already graduated from the Athens, Ga., school, and a sister that is currently enrolled. She had attended camps the past few years there and wasted no time committing when the school offered her a scholarship.

"I really wanted to play Division I soccer," Roebuck said Tuesday. "I liked the school a lot, I loved the coach and I had a great time when I went there for camps."

The Lady Bulldogs are coming off a seven-win season, but their 2013 recruiting class was ranked No. 11 nationally and first in the Southeastern Conference. Roebuck figures into the 2014 class, but she is pleased to have the process complete.

"The GPS coaching staff has been able to help me on things I need to work on, like my technique," she said. "It's really a big relief for me to have this process over with so I can focus on helping my team win a state championship."

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6311. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.